Brief

Los Angeles urges LA28 to secure $650 million disaster‑cancellation insurance

Los Angeles City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo wrote to LA28 chief operating officer John Harper asking for a comprehensive risk‑management plan.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:44:23 GMT

Los Angeles City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo asked the LA28 organizing committee to obtain a $650 million insurance policy that would cover any losses above that amount if a disaster forced the 2028 Summer Games to be cancelled, according to a letter sent this week.

Szabo noted that event‑cancellation insurance has been standard for Olympic hosts since the 2001 terrorist attack on the U.S., and cited Tokyo’s $650 million policy after the COVID‑19 pandemic postponed the 2020 Games and caused an estimated $3 billion loss.

The city’s request also includes a proposal for a single, city‑wide risk‑management plan covering all venues, rather than separate policies for individual sites such as the San Fernando Valley complex slated for three‑on‑three basketball, skateboarding and BMX events.

LA28 responded that it continues to engage with the city under the Games Agreement, sharing required insurance documents and working with city partners on the policies.

City Council members have also called for greater transparency on LA28 contracts exceeding $1 million, saying the lack of disclosure creates a “troubling picture” for the partnership.

Key facts

Los Angeles asked LA28 to secure a $650 million disaster‑cancellation insurance policy. (latimes.com)
The request was made by City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo in a letter to LA28 COO John Harper. (latimes.com)
Tokyo’s 2020 organizers had a $650 million policy after the pandemic caused an estimated $3 billion loss. (latimes.com)
LA28 said it is continuing to share required insurance policies and engage with city partners. (latimes.com)
City Council members are demanding disclosure of LA28 contracts over $1 million. (latimes.com)